Thursday 8 April 2021

Stash, Finishes, Bird Fair in Town

I've been walking a lot to try to cure this sad head of mine. Fresh air and time passing is working its magic I would have to say. Witnessing the change in nature from winter to spring is also wonderful. 

And sitting out on rocks and logs trying to let the fresh air and woody vistas sink into me. I had this little thing float down on my head during one of those times. I thought it was a leaf. Realizing it was a moth put a smile on my face. Where did it come from with the air so cold and freezing overnight! Such pretty shades of greens- perhaps an emerald moth??
It is like the fair has come to town to see all the birds that have appeared like magic. I just love it.

All taken through my kitchen window so not great shots but you get the idea of the array that are showing up daily now. This is not Tilly but she has been visiting morning and evening.




Yesterday I saw a few brave green sprouts have poked through the ground. Sun and cold have been the weather news this spring. No more snow though which is a bonus.


And a few out of focus pussy willows too which is the earliest I've noted them here.



I've always said stitching is my therapy. I finished stitching Quilting Bee and took this photo in bright sunshine to try to get the colours right. I've been frustrated by this.

I wish you could see the true colours as they are pretty plums and deep blues contrasting that bright gold. It now joins the others in a drawer for someday framing.
And I finished up the Snow Bound Table Topper just in time for spring. 😉
I edged it with a herringbone stitch  in black.  Tucked away now for the fall.
Lying on the floor doing my exercises I really liked this view of the plants in front of the patio door where I kept a bunch this winter. The sunlight was wonderful despite how cold it was outside. The geraniums and Christmas cactus are sprouting flowers in response to the extended light. I'm looking forward to getting all these outside.
Now I get to choose a couple more projects. Get back to the tulip research and kit up another cross stitch project...maybe flowers this time. So nice to have some stash at times like this. If one thing doesn't suit, it's good to have another to consider. 
A huge thank you for the kind comments and email messages which we both read. I was touched by how many of you shared stories of your precious pets too.

Always happy to link with Not Afraid of ColorKathy's Quilts and Paying Ready Attention









32 comments :

Libby in TN said...

Glad that you are seeing signs of spring. Bird activity has picked up here, too. It's fun to see how plants respond to sunlight, even while indoors. I love your Quilting Bee stitchery. Where did you find the pattern?

Nana said...

I believe that the moth was a sign.

Nana

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I'm glad to see you are beginning to have signs of spring it is always a nice time and to find an early green moth! I have not seen a moth but I haven't really looked - there have been bees and some nasty biting tiny insects that you don't even see but feel the bite. I love your stitch work and the hexies

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Jocelyn! You both have been on my mind all week. I'm so glad to see a post from you. {{Hugs}} My heart just hurts for you both. It's so nice to be able to see the first signs of Spring, like the trees starting to bud out? And the green peeking out from underneath the mulch. Where do you put your Christmas cactus during the summer? I've never taken my outside - I wonder what works well for them? ~smile~ Roseanne

grammajudyb said...

Seems like you have found just the things to help you through the sad. Walks and nature are healing , indeed. And exercise, way better than eating..which so is what happens to me! Summer and warmer temps will help! ((Hugs to you! ))

Ruth Hiebert said...

Most interesting sightings. spring is such a lovely time of year, perhaps my favourite season.

piecefulwendy said...

What a lovely post. So fun to see all the birds and flowers. Your bee counted cross stitch is so nice; makes me want to find some cross stitch to do!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Spending time outside and getting exercise always always help me, too, Jocelyn. I enjoyed your bird photos! Glad you are keeping busy with your stitching as well. The bee is beautiful! I love your hexagon tabletopper - it will be fun to pull it out in the fall. So good to hear from you this week!

Brian's Home Blog said...

A good out n' about is good for what ails you and you're looked lovely. That Quilting Bee is amazing!

Rosemary Dickinson said...

Your pictures are so pretty, as usual! This is such a nice time of year. The promise of summer is always so uplifting. It's so heart breaking when we lose our precious pets. One of our cats died as I was leaving the house to go to work. I cried the whole time as I drove to work. My husband took care of him so when I came home the house seemed so empty. I got a rescue cat 2 weeks later. I couldn't stand the quiet. I'm sure going outside and working on your projects will help you fell better a little bit at a time.

PaintedThread said...

Yay for springtime birds! Your cross stitch looks great! You've made a lot of progress with that in a short time! Your hexies are pretty - I like the little herringbone stitch on the edge.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

You always take the best pictures of birds. Exercise is awesome for helping you, and the walks too. Love your projects. The bee is gorgeous, and love the hexies too.

Linda said...

I agree with Nana, I think the moth was a sign! I’m glad nature is easing your sadness. I hope your husband is doing well.
Quilting Bee finished beautifully, and Snowbound as well. I love the herringbone stitch on the edge.
Take care dear Jocelyn.

Michele McLaughlin said...

I have been thinking of you so much and am grateful you are starting to heal yourself. I know this was hard on your husband too and pray that you both find some peace and joy.

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Love your Bee and Hexagons. I am hoping that you and hubby find a sweet little Lab Puppy to fill your days with happiness! Hugs

Jackie said...

Spending time outside is always the best medicine. Your stitching is lovely and the hexies are beautiful.

God bless.

QuiltGranma said...

Do not wait too long before getting those beautiful cross stitched projects framed so you can enjoy them!

Kim said...

How lovely that the magic of nature and spring is all around you to enjoy and bring peace to your sorrowful heart. Your Quilting Bee is gorgeous; such beautiful stitching. And, how lovely your hexies are.

Angela said...

Spending time in nature and stitching are two of the best ways to heal. I love your bee piece! So pretty!

Yvonne said...

Your stitched Bee is beautiful, I really love the colors in it! In this harch times it is so good to be outside for a stroll and enjoy the littel things like new leafs and birds singing..... we have to hang in there and try to find some peace and happiness don't we...?

Sarah said...

What a lovely array of wildlife you have around you. It is a great tonic for clearing the head! I love quilting bee, lovely colours.

Quilter Kathy said...

Lovely photos of the creatures coming to visit while you are grieving the loss of Murphy. The bee stitchery is so beautiful! It would make a wonderful pillow!

Jenny said...

Your quilting bee looks fabulous!

Little Penpen said...

Oh, your quilting bee piece! ❤️❤️❤️ Hugs to you as you continue to heal!

Verna G said...

Will you get another dog? I lost my beloved Nina (cat) to cancer two years ago this June. I swore I would not get another but last June I answered and ad on Kijiji. I got a 5 year old lovely lady who needed a good home.She settled in quickly and we love her dearly. We are 82 and 86 and we thought that this was not a wise move. however I feel confident that if we can't see her to the end, our children will make sure she is looked after well. They are such a comfort.

CathieJ said...

Quilting Bee is gorgeous! Stitching and enjoying nature always seem to ease my mind. I am glad they do the same for you. I enjoyed the nature photos.

The Cozy Quilter said...

The signs of spring that we see are so welcome after a cold winter, love your queen bee! Sometimes, I find I get truer colours when I take pictures outside.

Ruth said...

Jocelyn - just spent a lovely time scrolling through all your posts, seeing wonderful pictures and your beautiful work. It's always an inspiration to see different places and talented fingers at work. Ruth (Ye Olde Sweatshop)

Angie said...

Jocelyn - I find healing of the heart can take a long time, much longer than physical injuries. It sounds like you are doing the same sorts of things that I would do to heal. I enjoyed your collection of birdies - our spring chicks are slowly returning as well. It was snowing this past Saturday, but it will be 70 this weekend! No telling if we are past winter or not!

gladiquilts said...

I really enjoyed reading your post this morning and am glad you are feeling a bit better. I, too, am taking in the signs of spring - love all your photos! The Bee cross stitch is lovely and I like the stitching you put around the runner. It’s so nice to finish things and look forward to the new! Same goes for the change of seasons!

audrey said...

My daughter and I have been walking too lately. Really helps with the positive endorphins.:) Love your Bee stitching!!

Nancy said...

Your first photo in this post of the lake and tree is just fabulous. I love how the tree is reflected so clearly in the lake. And, of course, your birds are beautiful. Love that little female cardinal.